Ryuichi paused as he saw Kasumi. She was directing several warriors, but as she did so, a strange feeling went through him.
She works with your father...
He paused as he heard his shadow’s voice.How can I trust you?he asked Ryuichi-kage.
Why would I lie?
He could think of many reasons.Why would you tell the truth?
Because I’m you. We want the same things.
Did they? He wasn’t exactly sure about that. But as he watched Kasumi, he felt her treachery. She wore it like an accessory.
I’ll keep an eye on her.
He nodded at his shadow.Do that. Thanks.
It was the best way. No one would believe him if he told them Kasumi wasn’t to be trusted. She was a respected teacher, and he was an orphan foundling. Who would ever take his word over hers? He would need evidence.
Kato clapped him on the back. “You ready for this?”
He smiled at Kato. “You look much better than the last time I saw you.”
“Don’t feel a lot better.” He rubbed at his jaw. “Still feel like I was stomped into oblivion.”
Ryuichi started to speak, then stopped as he noticed Kato’s shadow. He stared at it. Unlike his friend, it didn’t seem to be raring to go. “Are you sure you’re feeling up to this trip?”
Kato pounded on his chest. “Fit as ever.”
He wasn’t so sure about that, but he would trust his friend. With a nod, Kato walked off to mount his horse.
Concerned, Ryuichi took the reins of his own horse and led it toward Koichi.
His teacher paused to arch a brow at him. “Something wrong?”
“I saw Kato’s shadow. It’s a strange color.”
“He’s torn in this fight. He doesn’t know which side is the correct one.”
Ryuichi looked at his own shadow—which, to his surprise, appeared normal. “And I’m not?”
Koichi shook his head. “You have a very rigid sense of right and wrong. Don’t lose your conviction.” And with that, he rode off.
Ryuichi wasn’t sure what to think of that. Was it good?
He had no idea. But he didn’t want to fall behind. Putting his helmet on, he mounted his horse, then kicked it forward.
His friends had no idea what they were riding out to face.
He did.
His heart heavy, he glanced around, wishing he could see the future. The last thing he wanted was for any of his friends to be harmed.
Battle was uncertain. Fickle. Even more so than Masaru. Maybe that was why. Masaru had battled so much that he knew just how unpredictable and dangerous it could be.
I will endure.
Ryuichi wouldn’t be defeated. He couldn’t afford to. If he failed...
